Clean Neighborhood, Responsible Future

"Clean Neighborhood, Responsible Future" is a citizen-led project aimed at raising awareness among young people about keeping their neighborhood clean and fostering a spirit of intergenerational collaboration through litter cleanup activities.

The project’s goal is to empower young people aged 12 to 16 to take responsibility for waste management and neighborhood cleanliness, while fostering awareness among younger children and involving parents in a spirit of solidarity and intergenerational learning.

The idea for this project arose from various observations on the ground. Many parents have expressed their dissatisfaction—through direct conversations or comments on the neighborhood’s Facebook group—about the trash that regularly litters the ground. Even some of the younger children have noticed the situation and spoken up about it. This is a recurring problem, not only in our neighborhood in Lausanne but also in many other neighborhoods facing the same challenges with cleanliness and incivility. The neighborhood lacks public trash cans, which contributes significantly to the problem. It is in this context that this project is essential for keeping the neighborhood clean. In my role in the neighborhood, I wanted to think about what we could do to try to change things. This reflection was also inspired by a conversation I had while cleaning up after last summer’s neighborhood festival. While talking with some children who helped me pick up trash after the festival, I could sense their disappointment with the behavior of other children who don’t care about keeping the area clean. These young people were very attuned to the importance of cleanliness and nature, and protecting the planet came up repeatedly in our conversation. I sensed a genuine awareness in them, and it was partly thanks to this discussion that I was encouraged to develop this project. This project is being organized through the Fiches Nord Residents’ Association, which is made up of volunteers, including parents from the neighborhood. Throughout the year, these individuals are dedicated to organizing events and initiatives to make our neighborhood more pleasant and vibrant for everyone. Their commitment deserves to be highlighted and commended, because it is thanks to their work that projects like this one can come to fruition and contribute to the well-being of the community. The “Clean Neighborhood, Responsible Future” project aims to organize a monthly neighborhood cleanup, led by a social services professional. Each month, six young people aged 12 to 16 will participate in these sessions, where they will learn about environmental issues and be encouraged to share their knowledge with younger children (ages 7 to 11). Parents in the neighborhood will contribute by preparing a snack after each session, thereby fostering a sense of community and strengthening community involvement. Cleanup supplies will be provided by the “Parks and Walkways” department of the City of Lausanne. The expected outcomes include a visible reduction in waste, increased civic engagement among young people, and the creation of intergenerational bonds within the neighborhood. The project will run for three years (2025–2028) with a total budget of 3,000 CHF, covering compensation for the young participants and a closing celebration to recognize their commitment.

Fiches Nord Ch. de Bérée 20b 1010 Lausanne